As someone born in Iran but living in the UK since 1977, I find myself in agreement with most of Najmeh Bozorgmehr’s points (Outlook, August 15). I too closely followed every wrestling bout, every taekwondo kick, and every weight lift by Iranian athletes in Paris. Her broader observation about the brain and talent drain from Iran is indeed accurate. The list of Iranian scientists, entrepreneurs and intellectuals who have achieved success in Europe and America over the past 40 years is extensive.
During a brief but meaningful window of opportunity from July 2015 to January 2017, I witnessed first-hand the enthusiasm of thousands of Iranian expatriates to reverse the brain drain by re-engaging with their homeland. All of this was triggered by the JCPOA, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, reached on July 14 2015 by the UK, China, France, Germany, Russia, the US, the EU and Iran. The London-Tehran BA flight route was active once again, with business class seats filled with businessmen from Fortune 500 companies and consulting firms. The momentum was towards a more open Iran, fostering hope among young Iranians to stay and contribute to building a stronger economy and a better society.
However, the election of Donald Trump as US president in November 2016 marked a turning point. The Trump travel ban was introduced, the US withdrew from the JCPOA, and sanctions against Iran were increased. Consequently, the relentless exodus of talent and intellect resumed. It is also worth noting that the vacuum left by this exodus is currently being partially filled by Chinese funding, knowhow and technology. The west should not underestimate this trend.
Peyman Mestchian
Industrial Professor and Research Director, Institute of Finance and Technology, University College London, London WC1, UK
